I could have been fighting in Iraq, now I’m here to win Ashes

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Mitchell Johnson, the spearhead of Australia's new generation of fast bowlers, could have been firing bullets in Iraq or Afghanistan instead of trying to rout England's batting when the Ashes begin next week.

The left-armer, 27, was lined up for an Army career and a confrontation with the Taliban before rediscovering the ability that led Aussie legend Dennis Lillee to label him a 'once-in-a-generation' player.

Johnson needs only six more Test victims to reach the 100-wicket target after just 21 appearances, and he averages 34 with the bat, having smashed 123 not out off just 103 balls in his last Test against South Africa.

Johnson trained at Hove yesterday, oiling the cogs of the armoury of outswing and inswing balls he can deliver at 90mph.

And he spoke candidly of his relief and luck to have the opportunity to rough up England's topline batsmen in the first npower Test in Cardiff rather than face the enemy in somewhere like Basra or Helmand province.

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An Army career and inevitable posting to Afghanistan or Iraq seemed Johnson's only chance of salvation five years ago when back trouble forced his promising cricket career on to the rocks.

He buried his pride to become a plumber's delivery driver in Brisbane but military service was also an option, having grown up in Townsville, a garrison town that had enlisted some of his best friends.

'One friend had become an Army tank driver; another two were in Afghanistan, and I have other mates who have been in Iraq, so they have all seen some action. I was close to joining up. I know where I could have been been and I'm proud of where I am now. I wouldn't give this life up for the world.'

Whites and the baggy green cap are now Johnson's uniform after his decision to mix his work as a plumber's mate with exercises to strengthen his dodgy back eased him back on the track Lillee had forecast.

'That plumbing job had a lot to do with saving my career,' said Johnson. 'I got support from family and friends, and my grade cricket coach Brett Mortimer kept telling me I could still play for Australia.'

Johnson, who announced his engagement to brunette karate champion Jessica Bratich on leaving for England, was lethal on the sort of works cricket grounds where he developed .

'I played one game for the works team and I hit this guy from the warehouse, who wasn't wearing a helmet, on the head. It took a divot. I was only coming off a couple of steps but I felt really bad. I finished up bowling spin.'

The Aussies were still in the dumps having lost the 2005 Ashes when Johnson ripped out Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh in his seventh one-dayer against India.

He further enhanced his reputation by taking 3-40 against England, including Kevin Pietersen's scalp, in the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy and opening the eyes of selectors to his promise as a high-octane run-machine in the Andrew Gilchrist mould.

While he prefers to shun the limelight, he has little hope of that as a spearhead capable of upstaging Brett Lee, Stuart Clark, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus in this series.

'Some of the older guys have gone but I've gained a lot of confidence, and really learnt my game,' he said.

'I remember first coming into the team. It was daunting. You had all the big names like Glenn McGrath, Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne and Justin Langer. You're not sure you belong, but now I guess I feel at home.

'It beats playing for that works team or joining the Army and being shot at.'

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I could have been fighting in Iraq, now I¿m
here to win Ashes, says Mitchell Johnson